Hey there, future acupuncturists! Welcome back to another episode of “Study Acupuncture with Me.” I’m Dr. Richard Lai, and whether you’re studying for your board exam or already practicing, I’m here to help you learn, retain, and fall in love with Traditional Chinese Medicine—one car ride chat at a time!

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most commonly asked questions about TCM dampness: What’s the difference between external and internal dampness, how do you spot them in your patients, and can external dampness really turn into internal dampness? Spoiler alert: Yes, it can! I’ll walk you through clinical tips, key signs and symptoms, and handy mnemonics for differential diagnosis so you’ll feel more confident in clinic and ready for your next exam.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The basics and key differences between external and internal dampness

• Real-world examples of dampness in your patients

• How external dampness can transform into internal dampness

• Clinical pearls: diagnosis, tongue and pulse, and my favorite “OLD FARTS” mnemonic for patient assessment

• How to confidently approach differential diagnosis in practice

Timestamps:
00:00 – Warm welcome & episode inspiration
01:11 – Explaining external dampness: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis tips
03:45 – Internal dampness: spleen deficiency, signs, and the role of diet
07:04 – Can external become internal dampness? The progression explained
09:21 – Mnemonics and clinical tools for differential diagnosis
10:55 – Final thoughts: Chronic vs. acute dampness, and the importance of thorough evaluation

If you found this helpful, let me know your thoughts or questions over on my socials! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a clinical pearl, and visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin for free study resources and to join my email list—I send weekly tips to help you pass your exams and become the acupuncturist you’re meant to be.

Keep up the amazing work—happy studying, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Welcome, future acupuncturists! It’s Dr. Richard Lai here, and I’m so glad you’re joining us for another episode of “Study Acupuncture With Me.” You’re in for a real treat today—like sitting down with your favorite professor for a cup of tea and a chat about the real experiences that shape our path as healers.

In this episode, I visit the warm, welcoming space of Lodi Acupuncture and Wellness to talk with my longtime friend and inspiring colleague, Tracy Beagle. Whether you’re still navigating the challenges of acupuncture school, transitioning into your own practice, or even wondering how you’ll find your unique voice as a practitioner, Tracy’s story is full of honest reflections, practical insights, and heartfelt encouragement. We talk about building a practice that’s true to you, handling self-doubt, redefining success, and ways to care for your own well-being—plus, we dive into Tracy’s special workshops designed just for students who may be feeling the weight of stress or overwhelm. If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt the pressure to “do it all,” this conversation will remind you: you’re not alone, and you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Tracy's links:

Tracy's website

Tracy's instagram

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction at Lodi Acupuncture and Wellness

• 1:10 – Tracy’s journey: from front desk to acupuncturist

• 3:25 – Rethinking credentials and what makes a great practitioner

• 7:18 – Finding confidence: “You are always safe in service”

• 10:07 – Running a solo practice vs. working in a busy clinic

• 14:09 – Balancing mental health, energy, and true patient care

• 18:30 – Discovering your unique path (and giving yourself permission to change!)

• 22:35 – Tracy’s biggest challenges and her spiritual journey

• 35:02 – Student stress, self-awareness, and letting go of comparison

• 43:01 – Tracy’s new workshop for acupuncture students

• 48:53 – How to join Tracy’s workshop and connect

• 51:54 – Final words of support for students

If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Comment on my socials, subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin to get practice questions with explanation to your email every week!

Remember, you’re not walking this journey alone—I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s keep growing together—subscribe, share, and check out the website for more tools to help you thrive. Keep up the great work, and I can’t wait to connect with you again soon!

Hey future acupuncturists! Dr. Richard Lai here, and welcome back to “Study Acupuncture with Me.” I’m so glad you’re joining me — whether you’re commuting, studying, or just squeezing in a few extra review minutes, I’m here to walk this journey with you.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into TCM Bi Syndrome, also known as Painful Obstruction Syndrome. We’ll break down each of the four main types—wander, fixed, freeze, and fever—using simple analogies and real-world acupuncture point recommendations. My goal is to help you not just memorize board exam facts, but truly understand the “why” behind the patterns, so you can confidently help your future patients. And as always, I’ll sprinkle in some encouragement because I know you have what it takes to succeed!

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why I record my episodes in the “mobile office” (my car!) and the beauty of finding learning moments in everyday chaos

• What Bi Syndrome is, its causes, and the crucial analogy to traffic jams

• The four types of Bi Syndrome (wander, fixed, freeze, fever) explained with symptoms, causes, and key acupuncture points

• Study encouragement, board exam prep, and mindset tips to keep you inspired!

Timestamps: 00:00 – Warm welcome and “mobile office” intro
01:30 – Rainy day inspiration: why today’s weather is perfect for talking Bi Syndrome
02:12 – What is Bi (Painful Obstruction) Syndrome? TCM definition and traffic jam analogy
03:26 – The “WFFF” method: Wander, Fixed, Freeze, Fever (overview)
03:49 – Wandering Bi: wind, shifting pain, and recommended points
04:43 – Fixed Bi: dampness, heaviness/swelling, best points for damp
05:24 – Freezing Bi: cold, sharp pain alleviated by warmth, moxa techniques
06:48 – Fever (Hot) Bi: heat, burning pain/redness, cooling point strategies
07:13 – Quick review and encouragement for board prep
07:44 – How to reach out for questions and sneak peek at my upcoming board prep course
08:24 – Heartfelt encouragement: you WILL help people and succeed!

Ready to keep growing?
Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments on my socials—I love hearing from you! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode, and visit www.studyacuwithme.com/quickwin join my email list for weekly questions.

You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!